Applying anti-racist pedagogy to teaching about work and retirement in the U.S.

Ongoing racial disparities in the work and retirement experiences of older adults are well documented. Assisting students to recognize the impact of these disparities, however, is only the first step toward addressing these systemic concerns. Empowering students to investigate root causes of these disparities is also needed to move toward identifying ways to dismantle institutional racism and create more equitable systems. Anti-racist pedagogy, with its attention to historical/political context and fostering skills for critical analyses and social change, offers educators a framework from which to introduce and explore these issues. While the concept of anti-racism is not new, current events have brought it to the forefront, offering a unique opportunity to engage students in anti-racist work. The following demonstrates how anti-racist pedagogical methods may be applied in gerontology using the example of teaching about later life work and retirement.